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Week 4
Modelling is used to predict changes in climate and uses previous climate data to run sequences to check the models’ validity before applying it to possible future outcomes, based on a range of variables. These include measurements of ocean currents and heat transport. Based on these models there are a range of possible outcomes for climate change with a global temperature range of 2-6°C (see below). The IPCC issued a statement outlining the predictions this can be found here.
Modelling is an incredibly complex process, as there are so many variables to consider and although some are well understood, such as ocean patterns, others are relatively unknown, such as carbon sequestering in vegetation and soil. Even recent changes do not always match the predictions- Nature’s ‘Case of the Missing Heat’ illustrates this discrepancy.
As the long term impacts are unknown, as well as the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists are investigating ways of locking up greenhouse gases or enhancing current sequestering through geoengineering. This is a difficult concept for the public to accept due to the huge scale of the proposals. The cost and effectiveness of these proposals is also debated. Click this link to see the BBC’s article on geoengineering.
Modelling is used to predict changes in climate and uses previous climate data to run sequences to check the models’ validity before applying it to possible future outcomes, based on a range of variables. These include measurements of ocean currents and heat transport. Based on these models there are a range of possible outcomes for climate change with a global temperature range of 2-6°C (see below). The IPCC issued a statement outlining the predictions this can be found here.
Modelling is an incredibly complex process, as there are so many variables to consider and although some are well understood, such as ocean patterns, others are relatively unknown, such as carbon sequestering in vegetation and soil. Even recent changes do not always match the predictions- Nature’s ‘Case of the Missing Heat’ illustrates this discrepancy.
As the long term impacts are unknown, as well as the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists are investigating ways of locking up greenhouse gases or enhancing current sequestering through geoengineering. This is a difficult concept for the public to accept due to the huge scale of the proposals. The cost and effectiveness of these proposals is also debated. Click this link to see the BBC’s article on geoengineering.